TrentUConnect: It’s Time to Meet Your Career Match
New networking program matches students and alumni for career conversations and professional development
In today’s new era of professional recruitment–where organizations are looking for candidates who have technical skills, interpersonal skills and an eagerness for self-development—networking is the primary means for career development. In fact, new research shows that 85 per cent of jobs are now filled via networking. That’s because the best way to improve skills, gain new knowledge and demonstrate it for employers is by putting yourself out there and learning from the experience of others who have walked before you down a career path, and gained first-hand perspective.
TrentUConnect, a new initiative from Careerspace and Alumni Affairs, is facilitating just that. The platform, fueled by Ten Thousand Coffees, brings students, alumni, staff, and faculty together for meaningful career conversations, all based on specific career interests, goals, and Trent experiences.
“At Trent, we know that a post-secondary education lays the foundation for what’s to come after graduation,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor at Trent. “The opportunities students have here are launching pads for their future. TrentUConnect gives students an important professional development opportunity: to get advice on building a successful career based on the first-hand experiences of professionals.”
After creating a user profile through TrentUConnect, participants receive personalized matches, which they then contact to set up a time to chat in-person or online. Alumni provide career insight and other knowledge, and, as professionals, become new connections in the industries students are looking to join, who can also become references.
To date, more than 200 students have registered on the online platform, and the matches between students and alumni take place starting October 10.
Alumni are eager to meet Trent students to share their experiences, answer questions, and provide guidance. Students can also gain a competitive edge by gaining access to the hidden job market.
Whether you are a student wondering what comes next after you graduate, or you have already graduated and are looking to build your professional network, TrentUConnect is a perfect place to meet professionals to share experiences, gain knowledge, and create connections.
Visit trentu.ca/trentuconnect to learn more about this exciting initiative, create your user profile and put yourself out there. Turn conversations with Trent alumni in your next big career move, because it’s not who you know. It’s who you know well.